Last call for industry-wide Waiters’ Day support

May 9, 2017

16th May is National Waiters’ Day 2017 and Springboard is calling on hospitality businesses and professionals nationwide to celebrate the front of house profession.

National Waiters’ Day is organised by The Springboard Charity and founded by Fred Sirieix, general manager of Galvin at Windows restaurant. It aims to showcase the dedication, skills and hard work of front of house staff, as well as the great potential for rewarding careers in the hospitality industry, which employs 2.9 million people in the UK. National Waiters’ Day aims to change perceptions regarding front of house roles and highlights the rewarding career progression routes that hospitality offers.

Hospitality businesses nationwide are invited to celebrate their team and show why front of house is a great place to work on 16th May 2017. Front of house professionals are also invited to take part in the waiters’ races, which are taking place in London (Hyde Park), Eastbourne, Colchester, Derby, Luton and Norwich.

Those looking to involve themselves can do so easily via social media with the hash tag #NWD2017. Everyone can use the hashtag on the day, whether tweeting a front of house team photo, or a photo from a National Waiters’ Day activity.

Anne Pierce, Springboard’s CEO, said: “National Waiters’ Day is all about promoting careers in food, drink and front of house roles throughout hospitality – from baristas to sommeliers; Maitre’Ds to casual dining staff; bartenders to mixologists and waiters. It’s about showcasing talent, what’s involved in each role, how people can start and progress great careers and work for some great employers. It’s about raising the profile of the profession and the skills it requires, and it’s also about having some fun and being happy – because it’s a happy place to work – with massive prospects for employment and career development. Now more than ever before, the industry has huge opportunities for UK jobseekers. This is a chance for job seekers to explore what’s on offer with eager employers actively seeking new talent – what are you waiting for? Get involved!”

Alongside the waiters’ race, London’s Hyde Park event will involve activities which showcase hospitality employers and the skills needed for front of house roles. Hospitality businesses are opening their doors with careers talks and taster days, and the @WaitersDay_UK Twitter account will lead the social media campaign.

Fred Sirieix, General Manager at Galvin at Windows and founder of the day, said: “I’m excited to once again lead the race and celebrations in Hyde Park this 16th May – to be celebrating our fifth year of National Waiters’ Day is a wonderful milestone! It’s essential that we promote the ocean of career opportunities hospitality has to offer, celebrate the hard work of front of house professionals, and encourage more people to begin great careers in hospitality. With all the opportunities available, you can work hard and be rewarded with success – there has never been a more exciting time to join this special industry.”